If you’re seeking a soul-soothing getaway this spring, the Nova Maldives Wellness Retreat promises an immersive three-day escape in the heart of the South Ari Atoll.
Set to launch in March, this new offering invites travellers to experience the mindful magic of scuba diving alongside rejuvenating yoga, meditation, and indulgent spa therapies—all against the backdrop of the Maldives’ largest marine biodiversity reserve.
Underwater Meditation for Body and Mind
Scuba diving isn’t just an exhilarating pastime—it has also been heralded as a form of underwater meditation. By controlling your breath and focusing on the here and now, you can tap into many of the same benefits that more traditional mindfulness practices offer.
Recent studies even suggest that going below the surface can help reduce anxiety, stress, and insomnia. At Nova Maldives, each dive is designed to help you appreciate the ocean’s wonders while nurturing your mental clarity and peace of mind.
The Retreat Experience: Mornings of Mindfulness, Afternoons of Adventure
One of the resort’s key aims is to create a sense of blissful harmony through a balanced daily schedule. Guests start their mornings with floating meditation and private underwater yoga sessions in Nova’s tranquil Solis pool.
These early rituals help steady the breath, calm the mind, and prepare you for a gentle underwater exploration.
The diving itself is slow-paced and stress-free, with ample time to marvel at colourful reefs teeming with marine life.
Seasoned instructors from Nova’s PADI-certified Aquaholics dive centre will guide you through buoyancy techniques that foster a relaxed, rhythmic style of breathing—an approach that can make you feel as though you’re levitating in the deep blue.
Harmony Above and Below the Surface
Beyond the underwater highlights, Nova’s new retreat showcases the island’s devotion to wellness on dry land too. Each afternoon, guests can enjoy a revitalising sports massage at the overwater EsKape Spa, targeting tension in the neck and shoulders after a day of diving.
Pair that with fresh detox juices and nourishing meals at Soul Kitchen, where the culinary team whips up island-inspired dishes designed to replenish your energy.
After an evening spent strolling along the powdery shores, a blissful night’s sleep in Nova’s breezy beach or overwater villas completes the holistic approach. It’s a restorative end to a day dedicated to mind, body, and soul.
Retreat Highlights at a Glance
- Morning Mindfulness: Ease into each day with underwater yoga and floating meditation to balance the body and focus the mind.
- Diving for the Soul: Perfect your skills and breathing techniques in Nova’s lagoon before venturing to the island’s pristine house reef.
- Marine Encounters: Experience the rich biodiversity of the South Ari Marine Protected Area, home to an array of vibrant sea life.
- Rejuvenation at EsKape Spa: Release tension with specialised sports massages that restore equilibrium.
- PADI Specialty Certification: The retreat also offers a Peak Performance Buoyancy course, where you’ll master breathing and visualisation exercises that can be applied both underwater and on land.
Planning Your Stay
The Wellness Diving Retreat requires a minimum four-night stay and is priced from £1,222 per person. Nova is recommending the package for couples looking for a tranquil yet adventurous holiday.
Room rates in March start at £586 per night for a Beach Villa, based on two adults sharing and booking directly.
For further details or to secure your spot, visit Nova Maldives’ official website.
Whether you’re an avid diver or a newcomer to underwater exploration, Nova’s distinctive approach to wellness promises a mindful, soul-stirring journey both below the waves and above.